Motion sensing cable for tracking customer interaction with devices

ABSTRACT

An intelligent motion sensing cable is disclosed, where a motion sensor that is included in the cable can detect cable motion. The cable can use this detected motion to generate data indicative of customer interactions with a connected electronic device. The cable can also use this detected motion to intelligently control a charge signal delivered by the cable to a connected electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE AND PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 62/796,188, filed Jan. 24, 2019, and entitled“Motion Sensing Cable”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This patent application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/257,837, filed this same day, and entitled “Motion Sensing Cablefor Intelligent Charging of Devices”, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

INTRODUCTION

The inventors believe that improvements are needed in the art where moreintelligence is to be built into conductive cables for electronicdevices. To provide such intelligence, the inventors disclose that amotion sensor can be included in a conductive cable. Thus, as a userinteracts with an electronic device connected to the conductive cable, amotion signal generated by the motion signal can be leveraged in any ofa number of different ways.

For example, the motion signal can be used to control a charging signalthat is passed by the conductive cable to the electronic device. As anexample, a charging signal delivered by the cable to the connectedelectronic device can be reduced in response to the motion signaldetecting motion of the cable. Thus, if a user were to lift theelectronic device connected to the cable, this would cause the cable toreduce the charging signal delivered to the electronic device. As anexample, the charging signal can be reduced to zero in response to adetected lift. Thereafter, when a user returns the electronic device toa rest position, the charging signal could be increased or resumed ifcharging is needed. Such intelligent charging can be useful for a widearray of electronic devices. For example, with devices such as smartphones and tablet computers, such intelligent charging can help avoidprolonged states of constant charging for the device, which canadversely impact battery life for the electronic device.

Moreover, for other classes of electronic devices—where the device maynot be fully operational while being charged—such intelligent chargingcan be extremely advantageous, particularly in a retail merchandisingsetting. It is desirable for a retailer to display electronic devicesthat are available for sale to customers in a manner that allows thecustomer to interact with and use the electronic device while it is ondisplay. This creates a challenge, however, for devices that are notfully operational while being charged because the devices neverthelessneed to be charged so that the device has sufficient power to beoperational while it is on display. Examples of such devices may includeelectronic styluses, wearable devices (e.g., smart watches), digitalcameras, virtual reality (VR) goggles/headsets, handheld globalpositioning system (GPS) devices, range finders, etc. As a solution tothis problem, the motion sensor and motion signal can be used to detectmovement of the cable, which in turn indicates movement of the connectedelectronic device, which can be interpreted as a customer lift of theelectronic device. The charging signal can then be cut off so that thedevice will be operational after the customer lifts the device andattempts to use it.

As another example, the motion signal can be used to generate dataindicative of customer interaction with the electronic device. As notedabove, a retailer may choose to display an electronic device for salewhile it is connected to the motion sensing cable. While no customersare interacting with the electronic device, it is expected that theelectronic device will be at rest, and the motion sensing cable will notdetect any motion. However, a customer lift of the connected electronicdevice will in turn trigger the motion sensor in the motion sensingcable to detect motion. This detected motion can be interpreted as acustomer lift of the electronic device. Data representative of suchcustomer interaction with the electronic device can then be communicatedto a remote computer system. Merchandisers and retailers can then usesuch data for tracking and analysis to enhance knowledge such as whichproducts are popular with customers, which positions in retail storesget the most customer traffic, etc. Further still, by including theintelligence that drives such analytics data in the cable itself,retailers and merchandisers are provided with a sleeker option forproduct display than would be available via conventionalpuck-base-tether product display systems.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bedescribed hereinafter to those having ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an example embodiment of a motion sensing cable.

FIG. 1B shows an example component view of the motion sensing cable ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows an example motion sensing cable connected to an electronicdevice and a power source.

FIG. 2B shows an example motion sensing cable connected to an electronicdevice (via an adaptor) and a power source.

FIG. 2C shows an example motion sensing cable connected to an electronicdevice and a power source, where the electronic device is displayed on atable.

FIG. 2D shows an example motion sensing cable connected to an electronicdevice and a power source (via a hub), where the electronic device isdisplayed on a table.

FIGS. 3A-3D show example process flows for charge control based onmotion of the motion sensing cable.

FIGS. 4A-4E show examples of a motion sensing cable for use with anexample electronic stylus.

FIG. 5 shows an example circuit diagram for an example motion sensingcable.

FIG. 6 shows another example circuit diagram for an example motionsensing cable.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show example process flows for tracking customerinteraction data based on motion of the motion sensing cable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1A shows an example motion sensing cable 100. The cable 100includes a conductor 102, a first longitudinal end 104, and a secondlongitudinal end 106. As can be seen, the first and second longitudinalends 104 and 106 are at opposite ends of the conductor 102. End 104 canbe adapted for detachable connection with an electronic device, and end106 can be adapted for detachable connection with a power source.Conductor 102 can be a flexible conductor enclosed in an insulatingsheath. It should be understood that conductor 102 may include multipleconductors. The length chosen for cable 100 can be selected by apractitioner to meet the needs of a particular intended use. As anexample, the cable 100 can have a length of approximately 80 inches;however it should be understood that other lengths could be readilyemployed.

FIG. 1B shows an example component view of the motion sensing cable ofFIG. 1A. End 104 can include a connector 110 through which the cable 100can detachably connect with an electronic device. The connector 110 cantake any form suitable for connecting with a complementary connector ofthe electronic device or an adaptor for the electronic device. Asexamples, the connector 110 may take the form of a Lightning connector,a USB connector, a mini-USB connector, a micro-USB connector, a USB-Cconnector, inductive charging pads, proprietary connectors such as thoseoften used in digital cameras, etc. End 106 can include a connector 116through which the cable 100 can detachably connect with a power source.The connector 116 can take any form suitable for connecting with acomplementary connector of the power source or an adaptor for the powersource. As examples, the connector 116 may take the form of a 2-prong or3-prong electrical plug, a USB connector, a mini-USB connector, amicro-USB connector, a USB-C connector, inductive charging pads,proprietary connectors such as those often used in digital cameras, etc.Thus, when the cable 100 is connected to an electronic device and apower source via ends 104 and 116, power can be delivered from the powersource to the electronic device via the conductor 102. Such power cantake the form of an output current in the form of a charging signal thatis used to charge a battery resident in the electronic device.

End 104 also includes a motion sensor 112 and a circuit 114. Theconnector 110, motion sensor 112, and circuit 114 can be enclosed in ahousing formed of plastic or a composite material at end 104. Asexplained in greater detail below, movement of the cable 100 will causethe motion sensor 112 to generate a motion signal 118 that is indicativeof motion for the cable 100, and circuit 114 can selectively control thepower that is delivered to the electronic device via connector 110 basedon this motion signal 118. In an example embodiment, the motion sensor112 can be an accelerometer. However, in other example embodiments, themotion sensor 112 can take the form of vibration sensors, reed switches,etc. As an example, the circuit 114 can selectively control the chargingsignal delivered to the electronic device via connector 110 byselectively opening and closing a switch, where the open switchcondition operates to eliminate a charging signal while the closedswitch condition permits a charging signal.

While the example of FIG. 1B shows the motion sensor 112 and circuit 114being located at end 104 of the cable 100, it should be understood thata practitioner might choose to position the motion sensor 112 andcircuit 114 at other locations along the cable. For example, the motionsensor 112 and/or circuit 114 could be positioned at some intermediatelocation along the length of the conductor 102. As another example, themotion sensor 112 and/or circuit 114 could be positioned at end 106.

FIG. 2A shows an example where the motion sensing cable 100 is connectedto an electronic device 200 and a power source 202. As noted above,power can be delivered from the power source 202 to the electronicdevice 200 via cable 100. The power source 202 can take the form of anysuitable source of electrical power. For example, the power source 202can be a power outlet. Further still, it should be understood thatconnector 116 of the motion sensing cable can connect with the powersource 202 indirectly if desired by a practitioner, such as connectingto a power outlet via a power brick that gets plugged into a poweroutlet. As an example, the electronic device 200 can be a handheldelectronic device such as a handheld electronic device that includes arechargeable battery. Such a battery can be charged via a chargingsignal derived from the power that is available from power source 202.Examples of electronic devices 200 can include smart phones, tabletcomputers, wearable devices (such as smart watches and the like),electronic styluses (such as the Apple Pencil), digital cameras, VRgoggles/headsets, handheld global positioning system (GPS) devices,range finders, etc. As noted above, example embodiments of the motionsensing cable 100 can be particularly advantageous when used incombination with electronic devices that are not fully operational whilecharging, such as certain models of electronic styluses, wearabledevices, digital cameras, and VR goggles/headsets because the chargingsignal can be selectively turned on/off in response to the motion signalproduced by the motion sensor, thereby enabling such electronic devicesto be used in a retail setting when lifted by customers.

FIG. 2A shows an example where the connector 110 of the motion sensingcable 100 directly connects with a complementary connector of theelectronic device 200. However, it should be understood that connector110 of the motion sensing cable can connect with the electronic device200 indirectly if desired by a practitioner, such as by connecting to anadaptor 210 that connects to the electronic device 200 (see FIG. 2B).

FIG. 2C shows an example where the electronic device 200 is displayed ona table 230 while connected to a power source 202 via the motion sensingcable 100. For example, the power source 202 can be located below or onan underside of the table 230, and the cable 100 can be run through ahole in the table 230. Electronic device 200 can be displayed on thetable while connected to the power source 202 via cable 100. FIG. 2Dshows another example where the electronic device 200 is connected to ahub 220 via the motion sensing cable 100, and the hub 220 is connectedto the power source 202. Thus, FIG. 2D shows an example where the cable100 is indirectly connected to the power source 202 (via hub 220 in thisexample). The hub 220 can take the form of a security hub for a table230 in a retail store, and the hub 220 may be connectable to multipleelectronic devices 200 at the same time. An example of such a hub 220can be the modular puck disclosed in U.S. provisional patent application62/628,885, filed Feb. 9, 2018, entitled “Systems and Methods for RetailSecurity”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference. With the examples of FIGS. 2C and 2D, the cable 100 canselectively control a charging signal provided to the electronic device200 based on the motion signal 118 produced by motion sensor 112. Whilethe electronic device 200 is at rest on the table 230, it can beexpected that the motion sensor 112 will not detect motion (or at leastany detect motion will be below a triggering threshold). Thus, while atrest, the cable 100 can pass a charging signal to the electronic device200. However, as noted in example embodiments below, other factors inaddition to cable motion can influence the charging signal if desired bya practitioner. In response to a user lifting the electronic device 200from the table 230, this will be registered as motion by the motionsensor 112, and the cable 100 can reduce the charging signal (which mayinclude eliminating the charging signal if desired by a practitioner).

FIGS. 3A-3D show example process flows for charge control based ondetected motion by the motion sensor 112 of cable 100.

The example process flow of FIG. 3A begins at step 300, where the cable100 is connected to power source 202 and electronic device 200 viaconnectors 110 and 116 as discussed above. At step 302, the cable 100begins providing a charging signal to the connected electronic device200. At step 304, a determination is made as to whether the cable 100 isin motion. This determination can be made by circuit 114 based on motionsignal 118 from motion sensor 112. If no motion is detected, thecharging signal can continue. However, if motion is detected, the cable100 effects a reduction in the charging signal (step 306). In someembodiments, this reduction can be the elimination of the chargingsignal by reducing the charging signal to zero. In other embodiments,this reduction can be reducing the power in the charging signal (e.g., a50% reduction). For example, to eliminate the charging signal, a switchin circuit 114 (e.g., a FET switch) can be controlled to be an openstate so that the cable 100 is in an open circuit condition with respectto the conductive path between power source 202 and electronic device200. As another example, circuit 114 can adjust an analog controlvoltage in response to motion detection. As another example, circuit 114can toggle an output enable signal on the power supply to reduce oreliminate the charging signal. The circuit 114 may include a processorsuch as a microcontroller to implement such decision-making and control(e.g., actuating a switch, etc.). As yet another example, to reduce butnot eliminate the charging signal, the circuit 114 can change an analogcontrol signal to the power supply as noted above. The level of thisanalog control signal can be a function of the activity detected by themotion sensor 112. For example, a digital to analog converter (DAC)output of a microcontroller can be used for such a purpose (such ascontrolling the DAC output to reduce its output voltage in response todetection of motion by the motion sensor 112).

Thereafter, at step 308, another determination is made as to whether thecable 100 is in motion. If motion is detected, the charging signal canremain reduced. However, if no motion is detected, the cable 100 effectsan increase in the charging signal (step 310). In example embodimentswhere the circuit 114 uses a switch to control the charging signal, thecircuit 114 can operate the switch to be in a closed state at step 310to thereby provide a conductive path through which delivery of thecharging signal to the electronic device 200 can be resumed. But, asnoted above, other techniques for controlling the charging signal atstep 310 could be used, such as adjusting control signal (e.g., via aDAC output), toggling an output enable, etc. In this fashion, theprocess flow of FIG. 3A allows for the cable 100 to selectively controlhow the electronic device 200 is charged.

FIG. 3B shows another example process flow for selectively controllingthe charging signal based on the motion signal 118 from the motionsensor 112. At step 320, a determination is made as to whether the cable100 is connected to power source 202 and electronic device 200. If not,it then follows that the power source 202 will not deliver a chargingsignal to the electronic device 200 via cable 100. But, if connected atstep 320, the process flow proceeds to step 322. At step 322, thecircuit 114 determines whether the motion signal 118 exceeds athreshold. If not, the process flow proceeds to step 324 where the cable100 provides a charging signal to the electronic device 200. If so, theprocess flow proceeds to step 326 where the cable 100 does not chargethe electronic device 200. As noted above, step 326 can be implementedin an any of a number of manners. For example, the circuit 114 can opena switch to thereby create a break in a conductive path between powersource 202 and electronic device 200 via cable 100. From steps 324 and326, the process flow can return to step 320 for repeat iterations.

The threshold used at step 322 to detect motion can be tailored by apractitioner to reliably detect lifts of the electronic device 200 by auser. Accordingly, the threshold can be set so that false detections arereduced by avoiding triggering a lift detection as a result ofinsubstantial cable movement. Furthermore, multiple conditions can beused as the threshold if desired by a practitioner. For example, theconditions can define the magnitude and duration of the motion signal118 that are needed to trigger a conclusion that the electronic devicehas been lifted. Such a threshold can then define a signal pattern forthe motion signal 118 when the electronic device is lifted. Forinstance, an example motion sensor 114 can be capable of detectingmotion or vibration in a milliseconds time frame. Deliberate interactionby a human such as a lifting of the device 200 would not take place on asub-second event duration. Accordingly, the motion signal can bedebounced so that short duration motions or vibrations will not befalsely identified as lifts. The duration threshold used at step 322 canbe set by a practitioner so that the motion persists in a mannerconsistent with a lift event by a person before signaling that a liftevent has occurred.

FIG. 3C shows another example process flow for selectively controllingthe charging signal based on the motion signal 118 from the motionsensor 112. In the example of FIG. 3C, additional factors are used bycircuit 114 to control the charging signal. For example, a timer can beused to define a minimum time window for the “no charging” state of thecable 100. Thus, in response to detecting cable motion at step 322, thecircuit 114 can start a timer at step 330. At step 332, the circuitwaits for the timer to expire. After expiration, the process flowreturns to step 320 and the charging signal can be resumed if there isno more cable motion. Such a timer can define a time window that issufficient to allow a customer to lift the electronic device and test itin a typical retail store encounter. For example, a practitioner mightconclude that a substantial portion of customers interact with theelectronic device for about 60 seconds after lifting it. The time windowdefined by steps 330 and 332 can then be set to allow for the “nocharging” state to continue during such a time period. In this fashion,for electronic devices that are not fully operational while beingcharged, the time window allows for the device to still be used even ifthe customer may be holding the device steady at some point during thetime window.

Further still, the circuit 114 can use timers in other fashions ifdesired by a practitioner. For example, a timer can also be used toprevent the charging signal from being delivered to the electronicdevice for too long. Prolonged periods of constant charging canadversely affect the electronic device (for example, by damaging itsbattery). Thus, a practitioner may find it useful to have circuit 114place time constraints on how long the charging signal can be deliveredto the electronic device while the cable 100 is at rest. For example,the circuit 114 can be configured to limit the charging signal deliveryto 30 minutes per every 6 hours (or by some other time constraint).

FIG. 3D depicts another example process flow for selectively controllingthe charging signal. In the example of FIG. 3D, the cable 100 has 4different states: (1) an “Idle” state where the cable 100 does notdeliver a charging signal to the electronic device 200, (2) a “Charge”state where the cable 100 delivers a charging signal to the electronicdevice 200, (3) a “Lift” state where the cable 100 does not deliver acharging signal to the electronic device 200, and (4) a “Wait” statewhere the cable 100 does not deliver a charging signal to the electronicdevice 200. Each state can be associated with different conditions thatcause transitions to other states, as shown by FIG. 3D.

The process of FIG. 3D starts when the cable 100 is connected to theelectronic device 200 and power source 202. Upon connection, the cableis in the Idle state. If the motion signal 118 detected by motion sensor112 exceeds the threshold while the cable is in the Idle state, then thecable transitions to the Lift state. If there is no motion in excess ofthe threshold while the cable is in the Idle state and a timer circuitconcludes that it is not the appropriate time to charge the electronicdevice, then the cable remains in the Idle state. If there is no motionin excess of the threshold while the cable is in the Idle state and atimer circuit concludes that it is the appropriate time to charge theelectronic device, then the cable transitions to the Charge state.

As indicated above, a timer circuit defined by circuit 114 can implementvarious time windows for controlling charging actions of the cable 100with reference to the FIG. 3D process flow. For example, timers definedby circuit 114 can be configured to (1) set a first time duration (e.g.,30 minutes), and (2) set a second time duration (e.g., 6 hours), wherethe second time duration is longer than the first time duration, andwhere the first time duration serves as the maximum time to be spentcharging the electronic device during the second time duration. Thus, inthe example where the first time duration is 30 minutes and the secondtime duration is 6 hours, this means that the circuit 114 will permitthe cable 100 to provide charge to the electronic device for a maximumof 30 minutes every 6 hours. If cable motion in excess of the thresholdcauses the cable 100 to stop charging the electronic device, the timercan be effectively paused. Thereafter, the timer can be resumed aftercable motion stops. Meanwhile, the charging time can be reset afterexpiration of the second time duration. To implement such timingcontrols, the circuit 114 can include a timer circuit defined by aprocessor such as a microcontroller, where the processor tracks time andexecutes software instructions to perform the timing control logic.

Returning to the FIG. 3D process flow, when the cable 100 is in the Idlestate and there is no cable motion in excess of the threshold, thecircuit 114 will determine whether it is time to start charging (e.g.,is the cable 100 in a fresh second time duration and has not yet usedany of its charging time defined by the first time duration?) or whetherit is time to resume/finish charging (e.g., does the cable 100 stillhave charge time remaining within the first time duration for thecurrent second time duration?). If it is time to charge based on eitherof these criteria, then the cable 100 transitions to the Charge state.

When the cable 100 is in the Charge state, the cable 100 delivers thecharging signal to the electronic device. If the first time durationexpires while the cable 100 in the Charge state, then the cable 100returns to the Idle state (where it waits for a fresh second timeduration to become eligible for charging again). As part of thistransition back to the Idle state, the circuit 114 can also make adecision as to whether the threshold used for detecting cable motionshould be adjusted. Also, if the cable 100 moves in excess of thethreshold while the cable 100 is in the Charge state, then the cable 100will transition to the Lift state.

With respect to possible adjustments of the cable motion detectionthreshold, it may be reasonable to conclude that the detection thresholdis not sensitive enough if no lifts are found to be present over aspecified time period (e.g., over two consecutive charging events). Ifthis condition is found to be met, then the system could downwardlyadjust the detection threshold so that shorter duration motion eventswill trigger lift detection. This detection threshold can then beadjusted up or down periodically (e.g., each cycle) to achieve a goalsuch as a target number of lift events per cycle. This would serve toauto-tune the squelch of the circuit 114 to heightened sensitivity overthe course of, say, 10 to 20 cycles. This can also allow for autoadjustment in the event that the ambient vibration in the environmentchanges (for example, it may be the case that the device 200 is movednear a door that slams regularly and falsely trips the lift detection).

When the cable 100 is in the Lift state, the circuit 114 will continueto check whether there is cable motion in excess of the threshold. Ifnot, the cable 100 transitions to the Wait state. Otherwise, the cable100 remains in the Lift state. The circuit 114 can implement anothertimer to assess whether the cable 100 remains in the Lift state for toolong (where this another timer serves to define an excessive lift timewindow). For example, if the circuit 114 continues to detect cablemotion in excess of threshold for a sustained duration (e.g., 15minutes), it may be the case that the motion threshold is too low suchthat the circuit 114 is misinterpreting the electronic device at rest asbeing in a lift condition. Accordingly, if the cable 100 remains in theLift state for a time duration longer than the excessive lift timewindow, the circuit 114 may increase the motion threshold. As notedabove, auto-tuning of the motion threshold can be implementedperiodically, such as per cycle. Further still, when the cable 100 goesinto the Lift state, the circuit 114 can generate data indicative ofcustomer interaction with the electronic device. As explained below,this data can then be communicated by the circuit 114 to an externalcomputer system to facilitate tracking and analysis of customerinteractions with the electronic devices on display in a retail store.As part of this, the circuit 114 can also measure how long the cable 100remains in the Lift state, which can serve as a proxy for a measure ofhow long the customer interacted with the electronic device. Thismeasurement can be included as part of the data that gets communicatedto the external computer system.

When the cable 100 is in the Wait state, checks to see if a transitionto the Idle or Lift state is appropriate. Thus, the Wait state serves asa holding pattern to assess whether the cable 100 has stabilized back tothe Idle state or is still moving sufficiently to merit a transitionback to the Lift state. If the cable 100 experiences motion in excess ofthe threshold while it is in the Wait state, then the cable 100 willtransition back to the Lift state. Also, the circuit can include a timerthat defines an excessive wait time window that will operate in asimilar fashion as the excessive lift time window discussed above.Accordingly, if the cable 100 remains in the Wait state for a timelonger than the excessive wait time window, then the circuit 114 canincrease the motion threshold. This can help prevent the cable 100 fromrepeatedly transitioning back to the Lift state in the event of smallcable motions that are misinterpreted as lifts or customer handling. Thecircuit 114 can also maintain another timer that defines a wait timeduration for the Wait state. This value will define the maximum amountof time that the cable will remain in the Wait state. Accordingly, ifthe cable 100 remains in the Wait state longer than the wait timeduration, then the cable 100 will transition back to the Idle state(thereby ending the duration of the lift event). It should be understoodthat the wait time duration can be set to a value greater than the valueused for the excessive wait time window. The wait time duration can be afixed value that is set to a reasonable amount of time that the cable100 can appear idle if it is being interacted with (e.g., the time itmight take for someone to read a menu item before making a selection).If another lift event happens before the wait time duration expires, thesystem returns to the Lift state but does not count this as a separatelift event. If the system gets stuck between the Lift and Wait statesfor too long (the time away from Idle is too long), then the thresholdcan be adjusted upward to force the system into the Idle state. Also, itshould be understood that if the system remains in the Idle state fortoo long (according to the goals and desires of a practitioner), thenthe threshold can be decreased to keep the system in balance.

Accordingly, FIG. 3D shows an example of how the motion signal and avariety of time conditions can be used by circuit 114 to selectivelycontrol the charge signal that gets delivered by cable 100 to electronicdevice 200.

FIGS. 4A-4E show example embodiments of a motion sensing cable 100 foruse with an example electronic stylus 400. The electronic stylus 400 canbe an accessory for use with a tablet computer or other portablecomputing device. To be operational, the electronic stylus 400 must becharged, and it may need to be paired (e.g., Bluetooth paired) with thetablet computer or other portable computing device for which it is anaccessory. The electronic stylus 400 will have a connector that connectswith connector 110, either directly or indirectly via an adaptor (e.g.,see adaptor 210 in FIG. 2B). As an example, the electronic stylus can bean Apple Pencil. Many electronic styluses, such as the Apple Pencil, arenot operational while they are being charged. Thus, for purposes ofeffective retail presentation of the electronic stylus, the ability toselectively control the charging signal delivered to the electronicstylus by cable 100 based on motion of the cable 100 is highlyadvantageous.

The example of FIG. 4A shows a motion sensing cable 100 for anelectronic stylus 400 where the end 104 of the cable 100 includes twoportions 402 and 404 joined together via a lanyard cable 406. Portion402 serves as a removable end cap for the stylus 400, and portion 404provides physical security by mechanically or adhesively attaching tothe stylus 400. For example, portion 404 can be a clamshell connectorthat clamps around the stylus 400. Adhesive can be included on an innersurface of the portion 404 for physically attaching portion 404 tostylus 400. In another example, a mechanical connection can be madebetween the clamshell connector and the stylus 400 that locks the stylusin place. A tool can then unlock the connector to permit the clamshellconnector to be opened and allow detachment of the stylus.

FIG. 4B shows how the end cap portion 402 can be removed from the end ofthe stylus 400 (while portion 404 remains secured to the stylus 400).End cap portion 402 can include connector 110 (see FIG. 4C). Thus, whenend cap portion 402 is placed in position over the end of stylus 400,connector 110 is able to connect with a connector 410 on the end ofstylus 400 (either directly or indirectly via an adaptor 450 (see FIG.4C)). An alarm sensor 420 can be included as part of a sense loop withportion 404 so that a cutting of lanyard cable 406 or otherdisconnection that separates portion 404 from portion 402 will triggeran alarm.

FIG. 4C provides an example exploded cross-sectional view of the motionsensing cable 100 with stylus 400. As can be seen in this example,connector 110 can connect with an adaptor 450 (e.g., an Apple Lightningadaptor if the stylus 400 is an Apple Pencil), and the adaptor 450 canconnect with connector 410 on the stylus 400. A light emitting diode(LED) 430 or other light can be included on the cable 100 (e.g., as partof end cap portion 402 as shown by FIG. 4C) to serve as a statusindicator for operational status. For example, the LED 430 can beilluminated (or illuminated in a particular color) to indicate an armedstatus. When armed, the cable 100 can permit a user to remove the endcap portion 402 from the stylus 400 without triggering an alarm;however, unauthorized removal of portion 404 from the stylus wouldtrigger an alarm (via alarm sensor 420).

FIGS. 4D and 4E show examples of how the cable 100 can terminate atconnector 116. In the example of FIG. 4D, the cable 100 terminates in aMolex 2×3 connector as connector 116, where the Molex 2×3 connectorprovides both a power signal and a data/security signal. In the exampleof FIG. 4E, the conductor 102 has a Y termination into a USB-A connectorat connector 116 (for power) and an RJ-45 connector at connector 116(for security/data). However, it should be understood that other cableterminations at connector 116 could be employed if desired by apractitioner.

FIG. 5 shows an example circuit 114 for an example motion sensing cable100. In an example embodiment, circuit 114 can be deployed on a circuitboard located in cable end 104. Although, as explained above, circuit114 could be located elsewhere in the cable 100. Motion sensor 112 canalso be deployed on the circuit board together with circuit 114.

The circuit 114 can include a processor such as microcontroller 500. Thecircuit 114 can also include a switch such as electronic switch 502. Thestate of this switch 502 (open or closed) can control whether a chargingsignal is delivered to a connected electronic device, and themicrocontroller 500 can drive the state of switch 502. Circuit 114,including microcontroller 500 and switch 502, provide electronics formonitoring the electronic device 200 for motion, controlling charging ofthe electronic device 200, providing security for the electronic device(e.g., via lanyard cable 406), and status reporting (which may includenot only lift tracking data reporting but also reporting about chargingstatus) to the main power delivery system at the other end of cable 100.Microcontroller 500 can also control the illumination of LED 430 toindicate whether the cable 100 is armed. To arm the cable 100, a voltageis passed through SENS+. This voltage can be measured on SENS−. Ifcontinuity is broken, the system alarms. The microcontroller 500 canthus monitor the voltage on SENS+ and SENS−. If the system is armed,both SENS+ and SENS− can be high. If the system is disarmed, both SENS+and SENS− can be low. If the system is alarming, the one of SENS+ andSENS− will be high and the other will be low. Further still, themicrocontroller 500 can drive the LED 430 to blink or show some othervisualization pattern when the cable 100 is charging the electronicdevice.

Microcontroller 500 can process a motion signal 118 from motion sensor112 to make a decision about how switch 502 should be controlled. Thisdecision-making by the microcontroller 500 can utilize the process flowsof any of FIGS. 3A-3D. In an example embodiment as discussed above inconnection with FIGS. 3A-3D, when the cable is initially powered, themicrocontroller 500 will check the motion sensor 112 to determinewhether the electronic device 200 should be deemed at rest or in motion.The microcontroller 500, at start up, can also start a timer and turn onthe electronic switch 502 to begin charging the electronic device 200.The LED 430 can be flashed while the electronic device is being charged.As noted above, after a predetermined amount of time has passed, themicrocontroller 500 can stop the charging by turning off electronicswitch 502 (and the LED 430 will stop flashing). If the electronicdevice 200 is picked up or moved during the charging time, themicrocontroller 500 will detect this motion via motion signal 118 andterminate the charge signal by turning off the electronic switch 502.When the electronic device 200 later returns to rest, themicrocontroller 500 can then resume the charge signal for the rest ofthe charging cycle by turning on the electronic switch 502. Themicrocontroller can also report the charging and the detected motion(e.g., as lift data) back to the main power delivery system. Themicrocontroller 500 can access and execute a plurality of executableinstructions that are stored on a non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium to implement these operations. For example, theseinstructions can implement the logic for process flows such as thosedescribed above in connection with FIGS. 3A-3D.

The circuit 114 can also include a termination interface 506 forinterfacing with different components of the conductor 102. For example,a voltage line (e.g., +5 VDC) can connect a power conductor in conductor102 with switch 502. Data lines (e.g., D−, D+) can connect signalconductors in conductor 102 with microcontroller 500. Sensor lines(e.g., SENS+, SENS−) can connect sensor signal conductors in conductor102 with microcontroller 500 and the lanyard security cable 406.Termination interface 506 can also include a ground.

The circuit 114 can also include a termination interface 508 forinterfacing with connector 110. For example, the voltage output fromswitch 502 (e.g., +5 VDC) can connect with a power pin of connector 110to provide a conductive path for delivering a charging signal to theelectronic device 200. Termination interface 508 can also include dataconnections (e.g., D−, D+) that are connected via resistor network 504.Resistor network 504 sets the charge current in the device, and it canbe defined to comply with the desired charge current for the subjectdevice 200. Termination interface 508 can also include a ground.

The lanyard cable 406 and alarm sensor 420 provide a sense loop withcircuit 114 so that a break in the lanyard cable 406 will trigger analarm condition in the circuit 114. This in turn can cause themicrocontroller 500 to transmit an alarm signal via terminationinterface 506, where this alarm signal can trigger a visual and/oraudible alarm (e.g., via hub 220 as shown by FIG. 2D). FIG. 6 shows anexample circuit diagram for the sense loop with respect to the lanyardcable 406. The lanyard cable 406 can include a tamper switch 600. Thistamper switch will remain closed, unless the lanyard cable 406 is cut orotherwise disconnected from the cable 100, in which case it will beopen.

The sense loop arrangement of FIG. 6 can provide the cable 100 with theability to detect any of the following conditions (1) if the lanyardcable 406 has been cut/severed (open circuit), (2) if the lanyard cable406 has been short-circuited, (3) if the lanyard cable 406 has thetamper switch 600 in the open position, and (4) if the lanyard cable 406has the tamper switch 600 in the closed position. The lanyard cable 406can be polled by the microcontroller 500 by asserting the GPIO pin to adesired voltage (e.g., 3.3 VDC). Then, the microcontroller 500 reads thevoltage at the ADC input. The value of this voltage will indicate whichof the 4 conditions summarized above is present. For example, in theopen circuit condition, there will only be voltage drops acrossresistors 606 and 608. In the short-circuit condition, there will be novoltage at the ADC input because all of the signal will pass to groundvia the short circuit in 406. In the tamper switch open condition, therewill be a diversion of signal through resistors 602 and 604 that impactsthe voltage seen at the ADC input. In the tamper switch closedcondition, there will be a diversion of signal through resistor 604 (butnot 602) that impacts the voltage seen at the ADC input. Accordingly, itcan be seen that the voltage at the ADC input of FIG. 6 can be differentfor each of these conditions. The idea is that the contact switch doesnot present a dead short but a resistive short when it is closed. If aperson breaks the wire and shorts the wire leads out, this will presenta dead shot which can be detected as a tamper condition rather than away to defeat the switch. Accordingly, it can be seen that the abilityto detect these different events via different voltages that arepresented to the ADC input can help make the cable 100 harder to defeat.The detected condition will serve as the lanyard sensor status, and thisstatus can then be reported by the microcontroller 500 to a remotecomputer system. The capacitor, Zener diode, and resistor 608 that areshown in FIG. 6 can be included to provide protection for themicrocontroller 500 at the ADC input with respect to DC voltages, ESD,and RF susceptibility/immunity.

While the example circuits of FIGS. 5 and 6 are shown for an examplecable 100 used to charge an electronic stylus 400, it should beunderstood that similar circuit designs can be used to intelligentlycharge and detect customer interactions with other types of electronicdevices. For example, a practitioner might find that some circuitcomponents are not needed for certain types of electronic devices. As anexample, the separate lanyard cable sense loop might not be needed ifthe electronic device is a smart phone or tablet computer.

As noted above, another function that can be implemented by cable 100 isdetecting and reporting customer interaction with the connectedelectronic device 200. FIGS. 7A and 7B show example process flows fortracking customer interaction data based on motion of the motion sensingcable 100. In some embodiments, these process flows can be implementedin concert with intelligent charge control as described above inconnection with FIGS. 3A-3D. However, in other embodiments, theseprocess flows can be implemented in a cable 100 that does not provideintelligent charge control.

With reference to FIG. 7A, at step 700, the cable 100 is connected tothe electronic device 200 and power source 202. At step 702, the circuit114 checks for motion by evaluating whether the motion signal 118indicates a lift of the electronic device 200 by a customer. If so, theprocess flow proceeds to step 704. At step 704, the circuit 114generates data indicative of a customer lift. This data can be a simpledata flag indicating that a lift has occurred. Or it can be a morecomplex data structure that includes additional information such as atime stamp for the detected lift or other information. At step 706, thecircuit 114 communicates the lift data to a remote computer system foranalysis thereby. The circuit 114 can perform this communication byreporting the lift data back to a base station through which the cable100 connects with power source 202. The base station can then relay thislift data to a remote server using wireless communication. Examples oftechniques for wireless communication in this context are described inU.S. Pat App Pubs. 2017/0164314, 2018/0288720, 2018/0288721, and2018/0288722, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIG. 7B shows an example process flow where the lift data includes dataindicative of a time duration for the customer interaction with theelectronic device 200. The process flow of FIG. 7B includes step 710,where the circuit 114 measures the lift duration based on the motionsignal 118. For example, with reference to FIG. 3D, the lift durationcan be the amount of time that the cable 100 spends in the Lift statefor each lift event (or the time spent in the Lift state and Wait statefor each lift event). This measured duration can then be included aspart of the lift data that is generated and sent at steps 704 and 706.

The circuit 114 can be configured to send the lift data in real-timeeach time new lift data is generated. However, in another exampleembodiment, the circuit 114 can include a memory for storing lift data,and the lift data can be aggregated over time and sent out to the remotecomputer system in batches if desired (e.g., an hourly or daily reportof lift data).

Thus, by including the lift tracking capabilities in the cable 100itself, retailers and merchandisers are provided with a sleeker optionfor presenting electronic devices to customers while still maintainingan ability to track customer interactions via lift detection. Thisstands in contrast to prior approaches of where the lifting tracking wasbuilt into larger hardware devices such as puck and base assemblies, asshown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,698,617.

While the invention has been described above in relation to its exampleembodiments, various modifications may be made thereto that still fallwithin the invention's scope. Such modifications to the invention willbe recognizable upon review of the teachings herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a hub that is connectable toa power source; a flexible conductive cable that is connectable to thehub, the flexible conductive cable having a first longitudinal end and asecond longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end, wherein theflexible conductive cable comprises: a first connector located at thefirst longitudinal end, wherein the first connector is connectable to anelectronic device; a second connector located at the second longitudinalend, wherein the second connector is connectable to the power source viathe hub; a motion sensor; and a circuit configured to (1) generate dataindicative of customer interaction with the electronic device based on amotion signal from the motion sensor, and (2) communicate the generateddata to the hub.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hub is furtherconfigured to communicate the generated customer interaction data to aremote computer system.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the circuitis further configured to compare the motion signal with a plurality ofconditions to determine whether the motion signal is indicative ofcustomer interaction with the electronic device.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the customer interaction corresponds to a lift of theelectronic device.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the circuit isfurther configured to measure a duration for the customer interactionbased on the motion signal, and wherein the generated data includes themeasured duration.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the circuitincludes a processor, the processor configured to generate the customerinteraction data.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the circuitfurther comprises a memory, and wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to store the customer interaction data in the memory.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic device is an electronicstylus, and wherein the first connector is adapted for connection withat least one of (1) a complementary connector on an adaptor for theelectronic stylus, and/or (2) a complementary connector on theelectronic stylus.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronicdevice is a wearable device, and wherein the first connector is adaptedfor connection with at least one of (1) a complementary connector on anadaptor for the wearable device, and/or (2) a complementary connector onthe wearable device.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the wearabledevice comprises a smart watch.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theelectronic device is a digital camera, and wherein the first connectoris adapted for connection with at least one of (1) a complementaryconnector on an adaptor for the digital camera, and/or (2) acomplementary connector on the digital camera.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the electronic device is a virtual reality device, andwherein the first connector is adapted for connection with at least oneof (1) a complementary connector on an adaptor for the virtual realitydevice, and/or (2) a complementary connector on the virtual realitydevice.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic device is asmart phone, and wherein the first connector is adapted for connectionwith at least one of (1) a complementary connector on an adaptor for thesmart phone, and/or (2) a complementary connector on the smart phone.14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic device is a tabletcomputer, and wherein the first connector is adapted for connection withat least one of (1) a complementary connector on an adaptor for thetablet computer, and/or (2) a complementary connector on the tabletcomputer.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible conductivecable further comprises a housing, wherein the first connector and thecircuit are resident in the housing.